Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of States and Frontier Regions Shaheen Shafique told the House on Wednesday that over Rs5.2 billion have been disbursed as compensation amongst terrorism affected people in tribal areas.

During the question hour in the National Assembly, Shaheen said that the government is providing Rs 400,000 to fully damaged and Rs 160,000 to people whose houses have been partially damaged.

She said a total of 1076 schemes have reportedly been completed out of FATA annual development plan during the last four years. She said the government has also undertaken several other projects for the welfare of tribal people.

Responding to a question, Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the House that our missions abroad are continuously engaged in projecting soft image of Pakistan.

He said Operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists has yielded very positive results. He said extensive measures are being taken to develop a national narrative to counter violent extremism.

Responding to a question, he said that there are presently 11,764 Pakistani prisoners and detainees abroad. Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir told the House that exports are witnessing growth and efforts are being made to find new markets for Pakistani rice.

He said the country’s trade deficit stands at $23 billion and the State Bank of Pakistan has taken steps to discourage import of luxury items to reduce deficit.